Behavioral neuroscience is a multidisciplinary science that encompasses a wide variety of scientific pursuits. The field is unified around the common goal of investigating and understanding the biological basis of behavior and cognition.

Centre’s behavioral neuroscience curriculum includes a strong emphasis in psychology and biology with additional courses in chemistry and mathematics. Those students interested in the cellular mechanisms of behavior are encouraged to take courses in biochemistry and molecular biology to complement their major requirements. This multidisciplinary approach provides students with a broad foundation for understanding how behavior and thought processes are governed by neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and psychopharmacology.

The course work and research experiences behavioral neuroscience majors undertake include, but are not limited to, the following topics; human and animal behavior, brain-behavior interactions, nerve cell structure and function, chemical neurotransmission, the mechanisms of sensation and perception, and the neurological and behavioral effects of both therapeutic and recreational drugs. Overall students learn how fundamental concepts and principles in these areas are related to both normal and abnormal behavior.

Centre students that earn a behavioral neuroscience degree often pursue careers that require quantitative and analytical thinking and expertise in understanding human and animal behavior. They also are well prepared to pursue advanced graduate and/or professional training in neuroscience, psychology, human and/or veterinary medicine, pharmaceutical science, and animal research.